My, oh Miah

Punahou's Miah Ostrowski is the Offensive Player of the Year

Grace can never be overrated, not by the hands of God nor by the those of a stellar athlete.

Expectations have always surrounded Miah Ostrowski, both on the hardwood and the gridiron. Though a state championship has still eluded the gifted Punahou senior, he has handled the ups and downs with a consistency that is covered in grace.

His seemingly effortless, yet prolific season as Punahou's top receiver has produced an honor that goes with the territory as the Star-Bulletin's Offensive Player of the Year.

Ostrowski caught 81 passes for 1,317 yards and nine touchdowns this season. Punahou faced the fire of a tough Interscholastic League of Honolulu, but also matched up with top nonconference foes like Waianae and Eastlake, the latter being the No. 1 team in Washington state at the time.

No matter the competition, Ostrowski played far bigger than his 5-foot-9, 175-pound frame.

"It's effortless for him," Leilehua coach Nolan Tokuda said.

"Everybody knew that he was the first target, and still had a hard time slowing him down," said Delbert Tengan, who guided Saint Louis to the ILH title. "The numbers speak for themselves. Everybody knew in crucial situations, they were going his way, and still, he'd find an open spot. He was tough to cover."

Aiea coach Wendell Say has seen his share of outstanding pass catchers over the years. Few match up to Ostrowski.

"The guy is good. He's strong, out-jumping guys and has very good hands. I thought he's the best receiver. He doesn't drop nothing. He's very focused on everything he does. He's all business," Say said.

Ostrowski was a narrow winner in the voting by media and coaches. Mililani running back Jordan Torres and Saint Louis quarterback Micah Mamiya were right behind in a tie for second.

Mamiya threw for 1,532 yards, 11 touchdowns and only had five interceptions. He was highly effective on the ground with five touchdowns and more than 400 rushing yards as Saint Louis went 11-0 in games he started.

Torres led the state in total rushing yardage and scored 16 touchdowns from the line of scrimmage with hardly a turnover.

Ostrowski's production will be difficult to replace for the Buffanblu.

"He had a phenomenal three years. By the middle of his sophomore year, we're throwing to him every other down," Punahou coach Kale Ane said. "He made momentum-changing plays. He makes it look easy. We can't take any credit for that. He understands the game, the windows, running routes. We were lucky to get him for three years."

Offense

Bryant Moniz, Quarterback

Leilehua

6-0

180

Senior

Moniz passed for 1,662 yards and 20 TDs with only seven interceptions. He completed more than 59 percent of his attempts (163 for 273) against a rugged schedule of OIA Red West teams and top nonconference foes.

Jordan Torres, Running back

Mililani

5-10

180

Senior

The sturdy senior ran for 1,509 yards and 14 touchdowns. He averaged 125 yards per game -- 6.9 yards per carry -- and ran well against some of the best defenses. Torres had 126 yards against Baldwin, 235 in two battles with Leilehua and 105 against Farrington.

Kama Bailey, Running back

Damien

5-8

165

Junior

He tallied 1,406 yards in the ILH, including a 301-yard performance with three TDs against Iolani. He finished with 11 rushing TDs, caught two scoring passes, and ran back a punt for another 6-pointer. He averaged 23.7 yards per catch on 15 receptions.

Chase Nakamura, Wide receiver

Baldwin

6-3

175

Junior

He caught 20 touchdown passes to shatter the MIL single-season record. He caught six passes for 111 yards and three TDs in the state quarterfinals against Mililani, then had five receptions for 100 yards and a score against a tough Kahuku defense. He finished with 52 receptions and 981 yards.

Kaneakua Friel, Tight end

Kamehameha

6-4

220

Senior

The quick, big pass catcher was a key part of the Warriors' run-oriented scheme, but had breakaway speed when they threw the ball. He was a narrow pick by the panel over Moanalua's Savaii Eselu.

Benji Kemoeatu, Offensive line

Kahuku

6-3

315

Junior

The Red Raider center was a phenomenal force in the middle of Kahuku's smashmouth attack. "He was their leader," said Tokuda. "In the heat of a game, he was trying to make sure our guy wasn't hurt. They went on the field to pull up (Ana Tuiasosopo of Saint Louis).

John Manu-Olevao, Offensive line

Kahuku

6-4

320

Senior

The right tackle was, perhaps, the most imposing figure among offensive linemen in the state.

"He's an intimidating force. Against us, he really solidified the right side of the line and cleared the way for his running back," Okimoto said.

Sione Tau, Offensive line

Damien

6-5

280

Senior

Tau gave Damien a big source of power up front, helping to pave the way for Kama Bailey. "He's a guy that I think will develop in college. He's improved tremendously from his early years at Damien. I think his best years are ahead of him," Tengan said.

Michael Matamua, Offensive line

Kapolei

6-4

290

Senior

The 6-4, 290-pound senior was a blend of power and agility for the Hurricanes. "Grounded is the word for him," said Tokuda, whose Mules saw plenty of Matamua during his career.

Ana Tuiasasopo, Offensive line

Saint Louis

5-10

304

Senior

The powerful senior didn't let obstacles get in the way as the Crusaders had a near-perfect season. "Ana was the anchor of our offensive line," Tengan said. "Great leadership. Hard working. Tough. He played nicked up all year long."

Jordan Ho-Ching, All-Purpose

Pac-Five

6-1

185

Senior

The versatile senior caught 44 passes for 673 yards and three touchdowns, including a big game against Kamehameha that included 12 receptions and 157 yards. He also carried the ball 51 times for 414 yards and two touchdowns, and for safe measure, ran back an 82-yard kickoff for a score against Saint Louis.

Dane Fernandez, Place kicker

Baldwin

6-1

185

Senior

The senior was clutch for the Bears, drilling two last-minute, game-winning field goals. He was 8-for-9 overall and also was a stellar punter.